Abu Dhabi: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, has picked up top honours at the Arabian Sponsorship Awards for its support of the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Abu Dhabi-based airline picked up the award in the "International Sponsorship category at a gala ceremony which took place on Monday at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.
Global audience
Peter Baumgartner, Etihad Airways' chief commercial officer, said: "Etihad's sponsorship of the inaugural Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix showcased both Etihad and Abu Dhabi to a global audience of more than 600 million people.
"Recognised as one of the biggest and most prestigious sporting events in the world, courted by leading companies and countries alike, the Abu Dhabi F1 weekend provided unprecedented presence, visibility and credibility for a new airline brand launched only six years ago."
Racing
Meanwhile in London, the Virgin Racing team was officially launched, where it was confirmed that one of the sport's four new entrants, the LDC backed Manor Grand Prix, has teamed up with Sir Richard Branson's Virgin.
Virgin Racing is a new team for a new era of Formula 1.
It combines the firepower of one of the most recognised, respected and exciting brands in the world with a racing team concept that looks to exploit and capitalise upon F1's new economic dawn and the challenges of resource restriction that is redefining the sport.
